Tellabs Vienna, Inc. Patent applications |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20100003027 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SUPPORTING STANDBY CHANNELS AND STANDBY BUFFERING - Providing a user service may be threatened due to an inability to communicate upstream in an event of a network or network node fault. Often the user service is simply terminated leaving a user with a poor perception of the provided user service. In contrast, providing a network service, such as an alternative to the terminated user service, may leave the user with a better perception of the provided user service. Accordingly, a method and corresponding apparatus are provided to support a network service by monitoring states of an access network interface and user network interface of an access network device, and providing a predetermined non-requested channel to the access network device based on a combination of the monitored states. As a result, a service provider can more reliably provide a user service to a user. | 01-07-2010 |
20100003002 | Robust connector enforcement - The need for fiber optic connectors is increasing as the use of fiber optic transmission members is being incorporated in data and other transmission systems. Typically, strain relief provides extra support at the junction of a cable and connector interface. However, there is a need to provide strain relief for the connector portion itself. An example cover includes a housing member defining an aperture spanning transversely from a first end to a second end and engages a connector therewithin. The cover further includes at least two prongs protruding from the first end in a direction opposite to the second end in an axial direction relative to the aperture. The prongs may be inserted into a panel defining at least two openings to receive the prongs. The prongs in combination with the housing member provide strain relief to the connector in an angular direction relative to the at least two prongs. | 01-07-2010 |
20100001586 | Method and system for managing backup power - Typical battery backup solutions for network devices provide power for a limited range of services over a limited duration, and lack user serviceability. A configurable, redundant battery solution according to an example embodiment of the invention employs two or more battery backup units (BBUs) available to a device. The device and BBUs are responsive to respective configuration data directing usage of the BBUs and/or operation of the device. In the event of a power failure, the BBUs provide power to the device based on their respective configuration data. Through use of the at least one embodiment, an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in a Passive Optical Network (PON) can be configured by a service provider to provide eight hours of emergency dial-out call service and configured by a user to provide other services, such as Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) and data services, in a customized manner during a backup power condition. | 01-07-2010 |
20090319572 | Method and apparatus for field service management - Installing and maintaining equipment, such as optical network terminals (ONTs), at customer sites is time consuming. At present, there is no way to manage field service to improve installation and maintenance procedures. A method or corresponding system in an example embodiment of the present invention provides aids to manage field service to make installation and maintenance procedures more efficient. In one embodiment, field technicians use a data collection device to track installation tasks and corresponding Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) coordinates. The collected data and coordinates are analyzed, possibly for a fee, and used to make changes in installation and maintenance procedures. As a result, service provider can save significant cost on future installations and service calls. | 12-24-2009 |
20090313476 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RESTRICTING USER ACCESS TO FIBER TO AN OPTIC NETWORK TERMINAL - In traditional networks, a user provides an authorization to establish a connection for services with an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and an Optical Line Terminal (OLT). The ONT becomes vulnerable to unauthorized users because the ONT restricts access at an Internet Protocol level. An embodiment of the present invention includes a system that restricts user access to services by causing a ranging fault to disable an ONT from communicating upstream with the OLT in an event the user fails to provide a valid ONT level user authorization. In an event the ONT is in a ranged state and the user fails to provide a valid service level authorization, the system causes a service level fault to restrict the ONT from granting user access to the user to services. Thus, unauthorized users are prevented access to the ONT and increased security is achieved. | 12-17-2009 |
20090310615 | Logical geographical and subscriber ONT subgroups in support of fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) architecture - Example embodiments of the present invention help extend service provider visibility to all premises equipment (CPE) devices that are ranged with an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) by associating an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) within each device (CPE-ONT), such as a personal computer (PC), set-top box (STB), broadband home router (BHR), or analog telephone adapter (ATA). Therefore, each CPE device is managed independently via the CPE-ONT integrated with it. This allows each CPE device to terminate only optical signals supporting communications supported by the CPE device. Further, each CPE device has access to the entire GPON bandwidth, thereby increasing performance and eliminating bottlenecks caused by electrical communications over 10/100/1000 BaseT interfaces. | 12-17-2009 |
20090296584 | Method and apparatus to support customer premises diagnostics and service simulation via test user interface devices - Because networks, such as Optical Distributed Networks (ODNs), dynamically change over time as more users and services are added, service providers are challenged to test operational robustness following installation of equipment or provisioning of services or upgrades. Example embodiments of the present invention allow testing of various services along a communications path, including software upgrades, throughput tests and simulations, and combinations of simulated scenarios with live customer traffic. The example embodiments allow generation of reports based on the testing of various services so that a technician may correct errors and ensure proper provisioning during equipment installation. Such testing may be useful to detect installation or activation problems encountered when a subscriber activates a service at a later date or adds additional devices. The example embodiments simplify installation and provisioning, saving service providers cost on a per installation or provisioning basis. | 12-03-2009 |
20090289534 | Network terminal cover - Customer premises equipment (CPE), such as optical network terminals (ONT), are often located on the outside of a premises, and are susceptible to theft and to weather elements. A cap for portions of customer premises equipment (CPE) used in telecommunications networks protects the CPE from theft and from the weather elements. The cap typically covers a portion of the CPE that carries communications and power connectors, providing protection from the weather elements. Additionally, the cap may be lockable, preventing unauthorized removal of the CPE or portions of the CPE. The cap may also provide strain relief for cables coupled to the CPE. The cap may also prevent unauthorized removal of covers on a CPE housing that protects valuable components, such as battery back-ups. | 11-26-2009 |
20090285576 | Method and apparatus for feedback/configuration of optical network terminal (ONT) anomalies to/from a central location - A method and system for collecting and analyzing diagnostic data relating to an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) anomaly or failure is disclosed. Example embodiments of the method and system employ a SIP configuration server to collect and analyze diagnostic data efficiently to determine a cause of the anomaly or failure in both live and post-mortem scenarios. The collected data may be communicated to a central location, where analysis of the data may be conveniently performed by a technical support entity. The method and system are scalable and may be applied to an entire installed base of ONTs across many individual Passive Optical Networks (PONs). | 11-19-2009 |
20090285106 | IPTV fault integration and fault location isolation - A problem of collecting data unnecessarily in an Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) network is, in part, caused by a centralized approach to data collection, whereby data is collected for logical channels, even if not currently streaming to an end node. A method or corresponding apparatus of fault detection according to an example embodiment of the present invention provides for detecting and reporting faults specific to a logical IPTV channel in an IPTV network for logical channels actively streaming to an end user device, such as in response to a “join” request. One or more nodes supporting a logical IPTV channel provide fault indicators, which may be reported to another node or end user. Node(s) in the IPTV network may aggregate and process multiple fault indicators from across a network, thereby enabling diagnosis of specific errors in the IPTV network. Through the use of the method or apparatus, network resources are conserved. | 11-19-2009 |
20090269063 | Method and apparatus for enabling activation of services via an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) - Cell phones or other wireless devices are becoming increasingly more accessible to customers, but cell phone features are primarily focused on communications services. A system employing an example embodiment activates services for an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) in the presence of wireless devices. In particular, the ONT responds to a ranging request from an Optical Line Terminal (OLT) with an ONT Identifier (ID) and an ID of a wireless device. If the ID of the wireless device is known, the ONT may enable activate a service, such as a security service for a homeowner. If the ID of the wireless device is unknown, the system may employ security measures, such as notifying the homeowner that a person with a wireless device having an unknown ID is on the premises. Thus, the example embodiment enables or disables premises security or other security based on the ID of the wireless device. | 10-29-2009 |
20090263139 | Method and apparatus for increasing voice service for an optical network terminal (ONT) - An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) has a fixed number of voice ports. A system employing an example embodiment of the invention increases the number of voice ports without changing hardware in the ONT by employing an Analog Terminal Adaptor (ATA) expander and configuring the ATA expander through use of a Session Initiation Protocol (SIP) and other network resources already available in a network with which the ONT is associated. The ATA expander is configured to be compatible with the ONT and, thus the ONT can increase voice services without hardware changes to support growing demands by customers for access to voice services via increasing number of Customer Premises Equipment (CPE). | 10-22-2009 |
20090187480 | METHOD, SYSTEM, APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR PROVIDING SELECTIVE ADVERTISING TO SUBSCRIBERS - A method, apparatus, system, and computer program for providing selective advertising. The method includes providing an advertisement request specifying that advertising content be provided and automatically providing the advertising content on at least one network service in response to the advertisement request. The advertising content provided is based upon advertising content preferences pre-specified by a subscriber. Also provided is a method for exchanging payments, which includes determining a payment payable to a network service provider from a subscriber and providing the payment to the network service provider from the subscriber. The payment is determined as a cost for access to a selective advertisement service and/or a provisioning of selective advertising. | 07-23-2009 |
20090180782 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, COMPUTER PROGRAM, AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A MULTIMEDIA-OVER-COAX-ALLIANCE NETWORK IN CONJUNCTION WITH AN OPTICAL NETWORK - An apparatus, system, computer program, and method for providing a Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) (or other multimedia-over-coaxial cable technology) network in conjunction with an optical network. In example embodiments, MoCA data is communicated between network nodes in an optical signal. In other example embodiments, MoCA data, or other data, is transmitted in optical frequencies above 860 MHz. | 07-16-2009 |
20090180777 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, METHODS AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR DOWNLOADING AND MAINTAINING IP STREAM WHITELISTS ON OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINALS - Systems, apparatus, methods and computer program products are provided for downloading a whitelist onto a passive optical network including a passive optical network and a management interface communicatively coupled to the passive optical network and configured to provision the whitelist. An optical line terminal also on the passive optical network includes a passive optical network card operable to broadcast the whitelist to optical network terminals which are configured to receive and enforce the whitelist. | 07-16-2009 |
20090179130 | BRACKET SYSTEM FOR MOUNTING MULTIPLE NETWORK DEVICES, AND METHOD THEREOF - A network device mounting bracket and system for mounting multiple network devices. A network device mounting bracket includes a device interface for receiving a network device and a connection interface for connecting to other network device mounting brackets. Alternatively, the network device mounting bracket includes multiple device interfaces. The brackets can have various wire management capabilities. | 07-16-2009 |
20090162056 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING SIGNAL POWER LEVELS USING AN OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINATOR AND A SET TOP BOX - Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer programs for measuring power levels of media signals in a communications network such as, for example, an FTTx network, using an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and a Set Top Box (STB). A method for detecting a signal power level of a channel in a communication network includes (1) selecting a channel to be measured, and a corresponding node and user terminal communicatively coupled thereto, on the network, (2) detecting a signal power level of the selected channel at the corresponding node, (3) detecting a signal power level of the selected channel at the corresponding user terminal, (4) performing a comparison involving the detected signal power levels, and (5) providing a notification of a result of performing the comparison if the result exceeds a predetermined threshold. | 06-25-2009 |
20090148157 | IDENTIFYING COMMUNICATION ERRORS CAUSED BY THE EXCHANGE OF UNSUPPORTED MESSAGES AMONG DEVICES IN A NETWORK - A method, and an apparatus, system, and sequences of instructions that operate in accordance with the method, for identifying errors in communications in a system that provides services. In the method, control messages are generated and sent to a network device. Error information generated in response to an unsupported control message being received by the network device, from at least one controlling device, is stored in the network device. The error information stored in the network device is retrieved, and errors in communications between the network device and the controlling device are identified, based on the error information retrieved. | 06-11-2009 |
20090143003 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM FOR ADJUSTABLE VENTING IN AN ELECTRONIC CHASSIS - An apparatus, system, method, and computer program are provided for adjusting venting of an enclosure. According to an example aspect of the invention the method adjusts venting in an enclosure enclosing heat generating equipment. The enclosure has at least one ventilation surface having at least one aperture formed therein. The method includes attaching at least one part of at least one cover to the enclosure, and positioning the cover in a selected orientation facing the ventilation surface of the enclosure. The cover may be placed substantially flush with the ventilation surface or may be positioned so that it forms an acute angle relative to the ventilation surface. In addition, the method may also include detecting at least one predetermined condition and varying the orientation of the cover with respect to the ventilation surface in response to detecting the condition. For example, a temperature and/or a position of the cover may be detected, and the orientation of the cover can be varied based on the detection. | 06-04-2009 |
20090116498 | TESTING DATA SERVICE USING MOCA-TO-ETHERNET BRIDGE - A terminal apparatus includes an ethernet channel that transfers ethernet traffic between an ethernet port and an external network port during a normal operation mode of the apparatus, and a Multimedia over Cable Alliance (MoCA) channel that transfers MoCA traffic between a MoCA port and the external network port during the normal operation mode. The terminal apparatus also includes a test system that bridges the ethernet channel and the MoCA channel during a test mode of the apparatus. Ethernet traffic received by the ethernet port is converted to MoCA traffic and transferred to the MoCA port, and MoCA traffic received by the MoCA port is converted to ethernet traffic and transferred to the ethernet port. | 05-07-2009 |
20090106406 | METHOD OF INITIATING DTMF DIAGNOSTICS AND OTHER FEATURES VIA A CALL IN DIAGNOSTICS INTERFACE - A method to initiate a remote diagnostic mode in a network terminal includes determining whether a received signal corresponds to a command to initiate a remote diagnostic mode, and setting the network terminal in a remote diagnostic mode in accordance with the result of the determining. An authentication procedure may be performed prior to setting the network terminal in the remote diagnostic mode, for increased security. | 04-23-2009 |
20090103694 | APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND METHOD FOR DELIVERING VOICE COMMUNICATIONS - A network element, a system to deliver voice communications, and methods for delivering voice services from an optical network to a telephone at a location within a premises. The system may include a network element and a telephone system having a connector. The telephone system may be positioned proximate to the network element so that the connector contacts an analog interface of the network element. | 04-23-2009 |
20090074423 | Method and apparatus for configuring an optical network terminal - Separating Passive Optical Network (PON) functions in different mechanical devices, such as optical to electrical conversion of the PON protocol, allows installation of an optical termination device at an exterior of an installation premises and installation of a user interface device performing PON functions inside the installation premises. Various embodiments allow service providers first to install an optical device outside the premises and, later, to install an electrical device, optionally by a customer. This eliminates a service provider from entering the installation premises and enables the customer to complete installation in the interior of the installation premises. Further, more robust, hardened components may be used in the more-permanently installed exterior device, while less-expensive, lower-quality components may be used in the easily-replaceable indoor device, thus reducing cost. | 03-19-2009 |
20090074412 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR SIMULATING AN UPLINK THROUGH A NETWORK ELEMENT - A method, system and computer program for simulating a communication link, such as an uplink, to one or more external networks in a communication network is provided. A test optical network terminal is connected to the network, and an uplink is simulated through the test optical network terminal, providing access to one or more external networks to one or more network elements in the communication network. Traffic is looped through an optical line terminal using optical carrier cards, and virtual cross connects are provisioned in the communication network to create a communication path between the optical network terminal and the test optical network terminal. A method of troubleshooting a network element such as an optical network terminal is also provided. | 03-19-2009 |
20090074411 | SYSTEM, METHODS, APPARATUSES, AND PROGRAM CODE FOR CAPTURING, STORING, AND RETRIEVING INFORMATION COMMUNICATED IN A NETWORK - A method, apparatus, system, and computer-readable program, for for capturing communicated information across a network that includes a plurality of nodes. The method includes providing criteria for capturing, in at least a first one of the nodes, information included in at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, capturing, from the at least one communication passing through the at least one first node, information meeting the criteria, and providing the information captured in the capturing to at least a second one of the nodes of the network. According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one first node includes an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), the at least one second node includes an Element Management System (EMS), and the information includes Ethernet frames. The method further comprises presenting the information to an operator at the EMS, in a decomposed, interpretable format. | 03-19-2009 |
20090067836 | METHOD, APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM TO VALIDATE NETWORK ELEMENT INTERFACES FOR FUNCTIONAL TESTING - A method, apparatus, computer program, and system for validating network element interfaces for functional testing. The method is comprised of coupling together at least two main interfaces of a plurality of main interfaces of at least one network element and providing a signal to one of the main interfaces via at least one communication path such that the signal propagates through that main interface to at least one other of the main interfaces coupled thereto, and back to the at least one communication path. By virtue of the method, apparatus, system, and computer program for validating network element interfaces for functional testing, the amount of time necessary to validate network element interfaces during functional testing can be reduced. | 03-12-2009 |
20090059933 | VALIDATING CUSTOMER IN-HOME NETWORK CONNECTIVITY USING MOCA BRIDGE MODE - A network terminal includes a bridge to interface the network terminal to a data channel linked to a central office, a first interface of a first type, and a second interface of a second type that is different from the first type of interface. A processor controls the network terminal to route data packets received via the first interface to the data channel via the bridge, when the network terminal is set to operate in a normal mode, and to route data packets received via the first interface to the second interface, when the network terminal is set to operate in a test mode. In an example embodiment, the first interface is an Ethernet interface and the second interface is a MoCA interface. | 03-05-2009 |
20090047021 | Integrated overlay card, optical line terminal and system with integrated overlay card, and methods for operating the system and terminal - An integrated overlay card, an optical line terminal with an integrated overlay card, and a method for operating an optical network. The integrated overlay card may fit at least partially within the optical line terminal. The integrated overlay card includes a wavelength dimension multiplexer/demultiplexer that overlays first signals at a first wavelength onto second signals at a second wavelength, so as to combine signals. The combined signals may be routed to an optical network. In example embodiments, the invention may be used to provide an IP television service. | 02-19-2009 |
20090047016 | Multi-access network terminal, communication method, service-providing method, and revenue-receiving method - A multi-access network terminal includes first and second communication interfaces. The first interface is configured to communicate with a first service provider providing services to a user through the first interface with a first type of signal and/or a first type of communications protocol. The second interface is configured to communicate with the first service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using a second type of signal and/or a second type of communications protocol. Alternatively, the second interface is configured to communicate with a second service provider providing services to the user through the second communication interface using the first or second type of signal and/or the first or second different type of communications protocol. | 02-19-2009 |
20090034411 | AUTOMATED DIAGNOSTICS AND TROUBLESHOOTING MECHANISM FOR END-USERS AND TECHNICIANS - A method, apparatus, system, and computer-readable program, for operating a communication network that supports a plurality of types of communication services, such as video, voice, and data services. According to an example embodiment of the invention, the method includes detecting an operating condition affecting any of the communication services within the network, and providing a notification of the operating condition, by way of at least one of the communication services not affected by the operating condition. This notification can be provided in response to a request from a network component or a user, or in response to the detection. The method enables end-users and technicians to troubleshoot service problems based on the notification, which can be forwarded via a service not affected by the condition. | 02-05-2009 |
20090024725 | Method and apparatus to integrate and manage an optical network terminal and a broadband home router - Common techniques for processing software updates have Optical Network Terminal (ONT) and Broadband Home Router (BHR) managers to manage the ONTs and BHRs respectively from separate remote locations in a network. In contrast, a system employing ‘an example’ embodiment of the invention may receive network traffic for an ONT and BHR (“components”) via a single management channel. The system parses signals (e.g., software updates) and processes the management signals with a processor in a first component (e.g., ONT). The system converts a remaining software update to a format compatible with a management channel between the components to forward to the second component (e.g., BHR) for processing. In this way, the system may update multiple components using a single management channel. Thus, software updates or other management procedures can be performed using a single management channel with improved efficiency. | 01-22-2009 |
20090016713 | METHOD, APPARATUS, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM TO DEBUG AN OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINAL USING DIAGNOSTIC OPTICAL NETWORK TERMINAL - A method of detecting a problem in a communication network that supports at least one communication service communication service is provided. The method includes disconnecting a suspect component from the network, and replacing the suspect component with a diagnostic component configured to have the same network identification information as the suspect component. The method also includes determining if the problem still exists, and identifying the suspect component as defective if the problem no longer exists. In addition, the method includes identifying the problem as being caused by another part of the network besides the suspect component, if the problem still exists. An apparatus, system, and computer program are also provided for carrying out the method. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015417 | Method and apparatus for managing battery log information and method of generating revenue through sales thereof - Example embodiments of the present invention provide management and reporting tools for service providers to manage batteries within battery backup units (BBUs) deployed their networks. Service providers may generate battery reports periodically, on-demand, or on an event driven basis, and, in turn, may notify customers of a status of battery replacement. Specifically, example embodiments of the present invention allow an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to log BBU history via a craft port, Optical Line Terminal (OLT), direct internal communications with the battery, or some other technician interface. The ONT may store this information in memory when it detects a battery replacement or when a technician issues commands about battery log information. The OLT or an Element Management System (EMS) may query battery log information from all ONTs and generate management reports therefrom. The information may be sold, on a subscription fee basis, for example, to battery manufacturers or service providers. | 01-15-2009 |
20090015204 | Method and apparatus for managing operations associated with a backup power source at a network terminal - A method and apparatus provide for managing operations associated with a backup power source at a network terminal. A network terminal includes a battery port that, when enabled, is configured to monitor status of a battery coupled to the battery port and provide a status indicator for the battery. The network terminal also includes an interface with selectable states. A control circuit detects the state of the interface and presence of a battery at the battery port. In response to the interface being in a given state in an absence of a battery coupled to the battery port, the control circuit causes the battery port to enter or remain in a disabled state. The battery port substantially maintains the disabled state over reset, loss of power and reconfiguration of the network terminal. If the battery port detects the presence of a battery, it responds by entering an enabled state to monitor the status of the battery and provide battery status indicators. | 01-15-2009 |
20080218947 | Method and apparatus of integration for primary and secondary power with addition of fiber storage for use in FTTx deployments - A mounting apparatus having at least one power source compartment, a slack storage unit attached thereto, and at least one mechanism configured to attachably receive at least one network terminal. A method of installing the apparatus comprises attaching a power source and the network terminal to the mounting apparatus and installing the mounting apparatus. In this manner, both time and costs of installing an ONT can be reduced. | 09-11-2008 |